Grafton Stables 'saved' from development and preserved for future generations, campaigners say

Following a local campaign to stop its sale for development, the 13.5 acres’ worth of open green space in Cuddington in Epsom will be handed over to Surrey County Council ’s Countryside Team.

Julie Willis, who lives alongside Grafton Stables, said: “What an incredible decision and outcome for the local community, and most importantly for the wealth of trees and wildlife that now exist within that amazing space.

“Having lived alongside it since the age of twelve, I am beyond thrilled.”

Surrey County Council put the land on the market in January 2025 with the suggestion that it had “significant potential for residential development” with space for up to 40 homes on the site.

But the local authority has now announced that Grafton Stables has been withdrawn from sale and ownership passed to SCC’s Countryside Team to be managed as a public green space open to the community.

County Councillor Eber Kington, Cuddington Residents’ Association (CRA), the Sports Community at Wandgas Sports and Social Club and residents have been working with the local authority to find an alternative solution.

The groups said in a public statement the “much valued local green open space has been saved from development”.

Cllr Eber Kington said: “I felt there was a strong case against the sale of the land for development because the trees on site are subject to a Tree Preservation Order and Epsom and Ewell Borough Council’s draft Local Plan does not include Grafton Stables as a site for development.

“I met with Surrey County Council’s decision makers to alert them to the planning restrictions as well as the benefits of retaining Grafton Stables, an important local green space in the community.”

The Cuddington Residents’ Association, Wandgas and a local business also joined together to submit an offer for the site based on keeping much of the green space with some limited development for sale, to ensure ongoing funding for maintaining the open space.

But now the green space does not have to be sold.

Two petitions were also set up by Cuddington Borough Councillors Kim Spickett and Phil Neale, which attracted over 1,000 signatures, and residents across Epsom and Ewell sent personal emails to the county council referencing the importance of saving the Grafton Stables for future generations.

No details have yet been published of how the new countryside management will operate, but residents and voluntary groups will be encouraged to work with the Countryside Team on the ongoing development and maintenance of Grafton Stables and the variety of living species.